Goblin Valley

Type: Out and Back
Rating: Intermediate
Length: Up to 14 miles
Notes: Park entrance fee of $2.00

THE RIDE: No visit to Castle Country would be complete without a visit to Goblin Valley State Park. The fantastic rock formations here are an outdoor playground that inspire the imagination. Although biking amongst the hoodoos is prohibited, it is well worth the time to hike through the area for a few hours. An ideal day is to enjoy a cruise on the mountain bike down the smooth dirt access road, hike through the park, then pedal back to your vehicle. Along the way, there are fine views of the San Rafael Reef, and the Henry Mountains to the south. This is a ride that can be enjoyed by riders of all abilities.

Directions: From Green River, travel west on 1-70 for 12 miles to exit 147 (Hanksville) and head south. After about 30 miles turn right at the Temple Mountain Junction, signed for Goblin Valley and turn right. About 5 miles ahead is a message board and the turn (left, south) for Goblin Valley. Park here and begin pedaling south for Goblin Valley. The road is smooth and is slightly downhill for most of the way; needless to say the riding is easy. Enjoy the fine views of the San Rafael Reef as it juts suddenly from the earth, creating a formidable rock wall. Keep an eye out for pronghorn antelope, as well as for an occasional vehicle along the road. The road rises and falls, and reaches the park after about 6 miles. There is a $2.00 fee to enter the park on your bicycle, and the park has restroom facilities and water available. There is also a nice campground with hot showers for an additional fee.

It is about 3/4 of a mile from the park entrance to the valley of the goblins overlook, and is a good place to lock your bike and take to foot. There are no marked trails in the valley, route finding depends on your creativity. There are all sorts of nooks and crannies to explore, or just wander around the stone hoodoos. Spend some time here enjoying the variety of perspectives 'available, and perhaps take lunch break from one of the many overlooks. To return, follow the same route back, an easy pedal back to the junction and your car.

Option: For an extended tour, Little Wild Horse Canyon is 5 miles further down the dirt road from Goblin Valley. This slot canyon is one of the most famous in Utah and is well worth a day hike. The narrows are long and tight, in several places only shoulder width. There is a parking area and outhouse at the trailhead, but no water. An outstanding day would be to see both natural wonders - Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse in the same day, a feast for the senses. A good idea would be to obtain additional maps on this area, and it is important to avoid all slot canyons if rain is threatening due to flash flood dangers.

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